Stifling Journalism in Ferguson

The RTDNA has called on authorities to recognize the rights of journalists. KSDK-TV has posted video of police turning on reporters.

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The August 19 Shop Talk program

The panelists feel law enforcement has trampled on the First Amendment.

Rich Moreno said there’s been a war against the media as much as against the protestors. He said it seems more like something from the Ukraine rather than the United States. He said for the most part, police did nothing to help people understand what happened. Instead, they clamped down and engaged in a bunker mentality.

Jasmine Crighton said she was struck by the “no fly zone” implemented in the early days of the unrest. Law enforcement claimed it was trying to keep reporters safe when it barred them from certain areas, yet it prevented them from using drones and helicopters that would have allowed them to safely witness what was happening.

Rich Egger agreed that law enforcement has tried its best to prevent reporters from informing the public. He also said it’s a dangerous situation for reporters – some people are trying to take advantage of the unrest by looting, which further complicates the situation.